How is the spring season shaping up for Australia’s housing markets? Well, the property markets have slowed as interest rates have risen, and apart from falling consumer confidence and concerns about inflation, one of the big factors driving property prices lower is prospective buyers’ reduced borrowing capacity. Ms Eleanor Creagh, Senior Economist for REA shared…
There are a number of factors that I consider when contemplating an investment on behalf of my clients or for me, personally. I think it’s very important to consider a vast array of investment opportunities (or appoint an advisor to do it on your behalf). But it is even more important to discount most of…
Unfortunately, not all properties sell the first time they’re listed for sale, even in a hot market. Those that do sell can go pretty quickly, while those that don’t can languish on the “for sale” register of selling agents for some time. Around 20% to 30% of properties fail to find a buyer. Whatever the…
In property investing circles it’s often said that you make the money on the deal when you buy. Most people think this means that if you buy a property “under market value”, then it’s considered that you made a profit on to the way into the deal, keeping you one step ahead of the game. Now…
The Reserve Bank has just reported a loss of A$37 billion, the biggest in its history, and it says it will be unable to pay the government dividends for some time. The announcement followed a review of its bond-buying program, one of the most important ways it supported the economy during the first two years…
It’s been an interesting month full of economic news. Recently the latest US inflation figures spooked the markets as there was no sign that underlying inflation is abating. Then back home, Reserve Bank Governor Philip Lowe warned that a deteriorating global economy would make it hard for Australia to achieve a “soft landing” due to…
Melbourne’s property market was hit hard by the city’s multiple and extended Covid-19 lockdowns throughout the height of the pandemic, but now buyers are back in force. The city’s 260-day lockdown and high property prices saw Melbournians flee our southern state in huge numbers, losing 4,864 people in the March quarter of 2021 alone. Prior…
Property prices have fallen from their peak around the country as consecutive interest rate hikes increase lending costs and dampen demand. But while price falls are widespread, some suburbs have bucked the trend. The sea- and tree-change trend has seen many Australians move to lifestyle or coastal suburbs where homes are larger and more affordable….
Even though it’s compulsory to invest money in superannuation, many people do not understand their options once they retire. This blog provides a summary. However, of course, everyone’s situation is different. Some super funds have different rules and there may be exceptions to some rules, so it’s important you receive personalised advice from an independent…
They say hindsight is 20:20 – and that is certainly true when it comes to property investing. Most of us start out without much knowledge behind us and only realise we are making mistakes when it’s too late to do much about them. Here’s a list of seven things I wish I’d known when I…